I loved being able to work with kids during those beginning and ending hours of the school day. In many cases the other staff were also in the same mindset so it gave you support in how to best help create a positive environment for students in those critical times of the day. The scheduling was perfect as a student because it was early in the morning before classes and after school programs weren't until the afternoon. Also the scheduling was only Monday-Friday because that is when students had school.

Cons

The YMCA is tight on budgets and therefore you can see that in a couple ways. They do not compensate for gas even when a school is 30 minutes away, not in the same city even. I also think that their strictness on making students do homework, sit quietly, etc is misplaced as they have to do that already in school and these are times many other kids are at home playing, working, interacting in non-academic ways with other kids. I also did not feel a lot of positive communication and opportunities for interaction with the management put forth by them.

Advice to Management

Please make it more flexible for leaders to look at each group of kids and see how the schedule and activities fit their group in a positive way.

Organizing and managing programs that inspire and help kids grow and learn! Working with many different people and abilities and interests. Helping to facilitate additional programs to enrich the lives of many.